Alto de Covatilla

The Alto de Covatilla climb goes up to a ski resort where the climb gets it's name from. It has held a stage finish on several occasions of the Vuelta Espana, and was the finish for Stage 9 of the 2018 edition of the race. In 2011, the last time the Vuleta came here, Irishman Dan Maritn won his first Vuelta stage. The climb is officially 13.3km long at an average gradient of 5.8%, but with sections of up to 16%. However before you hit the climb, there is an additional 7km of false flat and drag.

The Climb in Detail

“The first big HC climb of the 2018 Vuelta Espana.”

The Ascent

A 7km drag up to the base of the climb makes your legs feel heavy before you even start the climb proper. The first 4km is at about 5% and being a ski resort the whole climb is well tarmaced.

You then hit 4km at more than 10% and sustained ramps of 13%. The last 3 km the gradient reduces with the excpeption of a last 16% kick to the summit, which can feel like a wall.

To make the climb harder, it is very exposed over the steep section. But if you climb this climb at the weekend, there will be no shortage of locals climbing it with you to give you support.

Please Wait
It should only take a moment

ACCEPT COOKIESTo give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies. Using this site means you agree to our use of cookies. We have published a cookies policy, which you should read to find out more about the cookies we use. View cookies policy.